8 self-made millionaire women: Madam C.J. Walker

8 inspiring women who are self-made millionaires

Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker is widely regarded as the first female self-made millionaire in America. After suffering from a scalp ailment that resulted in her own hair loss, she founded a company, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, and developed a successful line of beauty and hair products for black women.

Her achievements are particularly noteworthy given that she the first free-born child in her family. At the time of her birth in 1867, her parents had only recently become freed slaves.